Attorney General Pam Bondi has dismissed federal lawsuits against police and fire departments over merit-based hiring, marking a major rollback of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies. The lawsuits, initiated under the Biden administration, aimed to replace standard aptitude tests with DEI-driven hiring quotas. Bondi argued these measures undermined public safety and wasted taxpayer money.

Supporters of the move see it as a return to fairness, ensuring first responders are hired based on qualifications rather than racial preferences. Critics argue it dismantles efforts to address hiring disparities. Cases in North Carolina and Maryland, which sought to eliminate written and physical tests, would have cost millions in payouts.

In a separate revelation, Bondi accused the FBI of withholding Epstein-related documents, demanding their release by February 28. She suggested an ongoing cover-up, fueling speculation of corruption. Her demand signals the administration’s push for government transparency and accountability.

Bondi’s actions ignite a broader debate on DEI, law enforcement hiring, and federal oversight. With deep political divisions, the impact of these decisions will likely shape policy discussions for years to come.